Punk To Funk: Why Noel Gallagher is a Badass: A Beginner's Guide

Really, Noel Gallagher doesn’t need a whole list of reasons to explain his badassery. Just look at him.

But, for those who still need convincing, and those who already know, here’s a list of reasons why I find “The Chief” aggressively astounding:

Though he spent time around music (being a roadie), he didn’t join a band until he was 24 years old. That’s a relatively late start for the music business. But he’s done so well.

Oasis was just his little brother’s garage band, anyway. When he got to it, it became something glorious. (video: "See the Sun" 1992 Demo)

He isn’t classically musically trained. He can’t sight read, and, according to him he knows 11 guitar chords (and God help us, he states, when he figures out a 12th). But he has made Em7 earn it’s keep. I am constantly impressed with the simplicity of the bones of his songs. I’ve learned half of Oasis’ songs just by rearranging the chords to “Wonderwall” and moving the capo. Many people find that this simplicity is akin to poor musicianship. I say if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. (videos of a few songs involving Em7: Talk Tonight Supersonic Acoustic and D’ya Know What I Mean Acoustic <—-if you haven’t heard that acoustically, you will think that he’s about to play “Wonderwall.”)

He is the most confident human being on the planet. And rightfully so. He knows he’s good at what he does.

He’s a blue-eyed, left-handed stammerer (If you’ve read my post about Peter Murphy, you’ll know that that matters to me for some strange reason.)

Even though his brother Liam was the main singer in Oasis, Noel’s voice is just as good (Better in many cases). Take the time to compare the two on the track “Wonderwall.” Liam on vocals. Noel on vocals.

His lyrics are the very opposite of pretentious. He writes about the little nothings that mean something to him or that mean nothing to anyone (and that rhyme, of course). He’s one of the greatest lyricists in music and I think that can be summed up in his line “Damn my education, I can’t find the words to say all the things caught in my mind.” Video: "Don’t Go Away" acoustic.

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, with one album, is on par with the entire Oasis catalogue. You can’t say that about many artists who branch off from their original forms. But Noel just proved that he was the heart and soul of Oasis. (I did like Beady Eye, though, so don’t get the pitchforks just yet). Videos: "Everybody’s on the Run" and, my favourites "Simple Game of Genius"

His singing voice always has emotion and softness regardless of his northern charm. He has one of the most beautiful voices ever recorded. Listen to him do "Slide Away." My God it’s lovely. Oh! And "Sad Song" Oh oh oh and this cover he did of "This Guy’s in Love with You!"

Speaking of covers, he does amazing covers. I might like his version of "To Be Someone" better than The Jam's. He also did a great version of The Verve's "Bittersweet Symphony" live at one point. And I really dig how he did my favourite Beatles song "Tomorrow Never Knows" with Johnny Marr.

He’s hilarious and clever. His commentary on the Oasis DVD of videos is worth buying the whole set for. But here are the highlights. Also, there are plenty of videos of "Noel Gallagher’s funniest moments."

The liner notes of his projects often say “All songs by Noel Gallagher.” He can play anything you hand him. Including the bass, which he played on "Go Let it Out." What a sexy bassline, played by a guitar player/songwriter.

Despite what people say about him, I think he’s incredibly modest because look at all of the things that are amazing about him.

And he’s still doing it! He’s just released a single from an upcoming album and it’s amazing. He has yet to disappoint me. Check out "In the Heat of the Moment" and I dare you not to be amazed.

So, good on ya Noel Gallagher, you’re one of the most fabulous musicians alive.

What we don’t see, well it can’t be real. What we don’t touch we cannot feel.

Punk To Funk